Carlo Ancelotti reacts to 'fantastic' Newcastle United atmosphere

The stadium was sold out for this afternoon’s game, which was won 2-1 by Ancelotti’s side.

There was a crowd of 52,211 following Newcastle’s decision to give away 10,000 half-season tickets earlier this month in response to dwindling attendances.

Asked about the crowd, Everton’s new manager said: "It remains a fantastic atmosphere.

“We had difficulty – we suffered a lot."